The Romeo Nanta Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the killing of a former barangay official in Negros Occidental, as police continue their investigation into the incident.
In a statement on Monday, April 13, NPA spokesperson Ka Dionesio Magbuelas said Rodulfo Fajardo, 72, was “meted revolutionary justice” on April 12, at around 4:15 pm in Sitio JMA, Barangay Payao, Binalbagan.
The group alleged that Fajardo, a former detachment commander in Barangay Cansalungon, Isabela, was found guilty by a so-called “people’s revolutionary court” of large-scale land grabbing, multiple counts of murder, and grave abuse of authority.
According to the NPA, Fajardo allegedly used his position and armed influence to seize farmlands and livestock from farmers and was linked to the killing of at least 14 peasants in past incidents.
The group also claimed he had ties with paramilitary forces and was involved in organizing armed groups opposing the revolutionary movement.
The NPA said some families of alleged victims welcomed the killing, describing it as long-overdue justice.
Police, however, earlier reported that Fajardo—identified as a farmer, former Sangguniang Bayan member, ex-Punong Barangay, and former military personnel—was shot dead by four still unidentified men.
Responding officers recovered three fired cartridges of caliber .45, two fired cartridges of 9mm, and one fired bullet from the scene. The victim’s belongings, including a red Honda XRM125 motorcycle, were also found.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.